Companies Seek $150B in Compensation Over US Tariffs

Supreme Court rules Trump overstepped authority in imposing tariffs without Congress approval

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:04am

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Hundreds of corporations from around the world have filed lawsuits against the U.S. demanding reimbursement for losses brought on by tariffs imposed by former President Trump. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that Trump did not have the right to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose tariffs without Congressional approval. Companies, customs brokers and importers have filed suits with the United States Court of International Trade demanding more than $150 billion in compensation.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's decision is expected to add weight to the lawsuits that have already been filed and others expected in the future, according to economists. The ruling affirms that the president does not have unilateral authority to set tariffs, which could have major implications for future trade policy.

The details

Major corporations such as Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, GoPro, Costco Wholesale, Bumble Bee foods, Revlon, Alcoa, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp USA, Prada, Yokohama Tire and many others have sought legal action against the U.S. since last year. Plaintiffs maintain Trump sidestepped laws to set taxes without congressional approval. The president implemented tariffs back in April 2018 to manipulate trade in favor of American companies, and also instituted tariffs against Canada and Mexico as a way to cut down on illegal immigration and drugs.

  • The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Trump's tariffs on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • Companies, customs brokers and importers have filed suits with the United States Court of International Trade since last year, demanding more than $150 billion in compensation.

The players

U.S. Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States, which ruled that former President Trump did not have the authority to impose tariffs without Congressional approval.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who implemented tariffs in 2018 to manipulate trade in favor of American companies and as a way to cut down on illegal immigration and drugs.

United States Court of International Trade

A federal court based in New York City that has nationwide jurisdiction in cases regarding imports, tariffs, and trade.

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What they’re saying

“'The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch,'”

— Chief Justice John Roberts (cenlanow.com)

What’s next

The United States Court of International Trade is expected to rule on the lawsuits seeking over $150 billion in compensation from the U.S. government in the coming months.

The takeaway

The Supreme Court's ruling affirms that the president does not have unilateral authority to set tariffs, which could have major implications for future trade policy and open the door for significant financial liabilities for the U.S. government related to the previous administration's tariff actions.